Chapter 9: Awakening and Affection
**(With Zhongli, Early Morning; 5am)**
Zhongli sighed, sitting in the chair by Lumine's bed, reading over the file Alhaitham had given to him. Since his visit with Alhaitham, he had been in contact with several others. Neuvillette from Fontaine had called him, letting him know that Alhaitham called him and that they recently tore down the underground trafficking ring there. He was now helping Natlan with their ring and would send help to Liyue if he could afford it. Barbatos, otherwise known as Venti to others, had called him, saying Viator had helped him tear down the ring here before they had helped Ei remove the trafficking in Inazuma.
Ei called him afterwards, saying she was sending help as she had SEEN Lumine before and knew what needed to be done. Ayato, Sara and Kokomi with Gorou were already there making plans actually in one of his meeting rooms. Ei and Yae were staying behind to keep Inazuma running but, as his cousin, Ei promised to call him and update him and she wanted updates in turn as well. Cyno got in touch with him and was there as well, saying he recently got back from Snezhnaya and that the ring there was dismantled and the Harbingers, excluding Number Two, Number Six and Number Eleven (as Tartaglia was with Zhongli for protection) were investigating where Dottore and Scaramouche were.
'So, all that's left is Liyue and as the city of contracts and wealth…the ring here must be massive.' Zhongli thought, looking out a window. Ningguang was doing a little backwater digging, trying to find out a few things without arousing suspicions and Ganyu had been ordered to stay within the estate on Ningguang's orders. Beidou had recently caught three children who had been part of the system; she had killed a few treasure hoarders who were hired to transfer the children. They were staying with her until their parents were found and the Fatui showed fear with Beidou.
Needless to say, Inazuma, Fontaine, Snezhnaya, Mondstadt and Sumeru's human trafficking rings were shut down. Natlan and Liyue still had their rings up but, from what Neuvilette and Furina told him yesterday, they were now being taken in…so Dottore was trapped in Liyue with nowhere to go as his other rings were shut down or are currently shutting down.
Ayato, Sara, Kokomi and Gorou were here from Inazuma to help on Ei's orders and were staying in the estate as a precaution so Dottore wouldn't find out.
Alhaitham kept him updated, saying Dottore was getting antsy and he wasn't sure how quick his updates would be in the coming months as Dottore was now watching everyone like a hawk.
Venti was sending Jean and Diluc to Liyue and they were to arrive sometime around afternoon.
Sighing, Zhongli rubbed his temples, glaring at his cup of tea. It wasn't really helping him and he was debating grabbing coffee instead. Shaking his head, he stood…when movement at the bed caught his attention and he snapped his eyes to Lumine, now wide awake. Her brow pinched and she shifted, a whimper escaping and Zhongli sent a text to Aether to get to the room now. Zhongli hurried over to the bed, grabbing one of Lumine's fisted hands even as Lumine's breathing turned rapid.
Suddenly, as the door opened, Lumine's eyes snapped open as she shouted out Zhongli's name. "ZHONGLI!" She shot up, nearly colliding heads with Zhongli who reared back just in time to avoid the head collision. "Lumine, what-?" Aether froze as Lumine looked at him, recognition in her eyes, before she looked at Zhongli. "Aether, Zhongli…where?" She looked around, seeing that it was her room before she let out a shuddering breath, realizing she was awake in a safe place…she was finally awake.
Lumine interlaced her fingers with Zhongli, realizing he was holding her hand, before she looked at Aether, tears in her eyes. "Aether…" She reached her free hand to him and tears appeared in Aether's eyes, before he hurried over to the otherside of the bed, hugging her. Zhongli let her hand go, smiling at her and she wrapped her hands around Aether, pressing her face against his chest. "I'm so, SO glad you're awake." Aether whispered, a hiccup escaping and Lumine merely nodded, too choked up to say more.
The door opened again, revealing a very, VERY tired Tartaglia as he leaned against the doorframe, giving a quiet yawn. "What's going on here?" He asked, rubbing his eyes before looking at the bed. Seeing Aether was hugging Lumine…wait…SHE'S AWAKE?! Tartaglia jolted, eyes wide, now fully awake as he realized Lumine was now awake. "Wait, Lumine woke up?" He mumbled, before Zhongli nodded, walking over to Tartaglia so the twins could catch up. "I don't know how…but I am glad she is awake." Tartaglia nodded, before his phone vibrated and he pulled it out, seeing a text from Arlecchino.
'An order has been given out for the arrest of Dottore and Scaramouche. Be on the lookout.' Tartaglia showed the text to Zhongli, who pulled out his phone to text the others. A few moments later, Tartaglia was pushed forward and to the side by Ganyu and Xiao, who were happy to see Lumine was awake. "LUMINE!" They shouted, making Aether jolt and Lumine look over. "Ganyu! Xiao!" Lumine moved to get off the bed to hug the two but they beat her by rushing to bed. Ganyu hugged Lumine, crying against her shoulder while Xiao stood to his adopted sister's side, a little awkward about hugging but Lumine pulled him closer, hugging him while she hugged Ganyu. "We're glad you're awake, Lumine!" "Glad you're awake." The two responded, making Lumine nod, keeping her arms around the two gently.
As Lumine merely nodded, the two pulled back and Lumine looked at Aether, smiling again as he wiped tears from her eyes. "I'm glad your awake dear sister." Aether said softly, kissing her forehead and she nodded, tears still streaming down her face before Zhongli walked back over as Tartaglia grumbled, rubbing his back with a wince. Damn those two were strong! "Welcome back…Lumine." Zhongli's voice was choked up with emotion and Lumine turned her head to smile at him, even as his right hand cupped her cheek.
"I'm glad…I'm glad I'm awake." Lumine hiccuped, so relieved she was awake…before she shivered, realizing IV's were in her arm and sighed. She moved the stand closer before stopping the machine, and then she detached the IV's, putting pressure on the wound. "Lumi, what're you-?" Aether was silenced as her stomach growled loudly and she blushed…before they all burst into laughter. "Ganyu, Xiao, can you ask the cooks to prepare an early breakfast?" Zhongli asked his kids, who nodded.
As they left, Lumine moved to the edge of the bed and tested her feet against the ground, yelping as the ground was cold to her feet. She whimpered, frowning at the hardwood floor. "Noooo~…why is it so cold?" Lumine complained, pouting adorably and Aether smiled, going to the dresser and rummaging through it, not caring about Lumine's mortified squeak of his name for rummaging through the few clothes she had. "These socks should do." Aether mumbled, throwing the mismatched pair to her and she frowned at him, an embarrassed blush on her face.
"Sure, just rummage through my underwear drawer why don't you…" Lumine grumbled out and Aether raised a brow at his sister. "Sister, modesty has long since been put through a meat grinder and thrown out the window like waste since our years in the underground system. I've seen you completely naked as you have me because of Dottore and Scaramouche." Aether commented, slightly amused by his sister's remark. Really, as sad as it was, modesty was a thing of the past for the twins. Lumine huffed, putting the socks on and then, once more, tested her weight on the floor, giving a small shiver at the cold that did touch her. Zhongli kept one hand around her waist, letting her lean against him as she attempted to walk, her legs shaky from the lack of use.
Tartaglia walked over to Aether, pulling the blonde closer by his hips, dropping a kiss on his lips, before they followed Lumine out of the room. Zhongli helped her down the stairs, Lumine tightly gripping his hands, before perking as she heard unfamiliar voices. "Whose all here?" Lumine asked Zhongli curiously, making him smile. "Back-up to help us tear down the underground ring." Zhongli explained, making Lumine hum in interest. As they ate breakfast, Lumine was introduced to Ayato, Sara, Kokomi and Gorou, the four glad to finally meet the woman that Aether and Zhongli had mentioned that would help them understand exactly how bad the underground ring was.
It was after breakfast that Lumine was told everything that had happened, her eyes widening when Zhongli told her Alhaitham had gotten into contact with him. As such, Lumine relayed what she knew and all she had remembered, making Zhongli hug her tightly as did Aether, Tartaglia glare at the ground in anger and completely baffling Ayato, Sara, Kokomi and Gorou.
She survived all of that?!
After everything was explained, two others entered the estate, Yanfei and Yelan, in which both were offering their assistance on Ningguang's orders. Yelan took one look at Lumine and froze, her bluish-green eyes going wide. "Wha…Melody?" Yelan said, grabbing everyone's attention as they noticed she was looking at Lumine. "Hm?" Lumine actually responding surprised them. "Do we…know each other?" Lumine asked Yelan, who blinked a little. "Not entirely but…I saw you two years ago, almost three, at a gentlemen's club when I was investigating the rumors of prostitution and embezzlement of a Mr. Yi'Quin. Remember him?" Yelan asked and by Lumine's frown, she did.
"How could I forget that disgusting man? He was the last person who bought me when I escaped." Lumine snipped and Yelan nodded. "I thought I recognized you. He called you Melody, though you obviously did not like the name as you kept correcting him. You look so different now, it's a nice look." Yelan gave Lumine a small smile, making Lumine nod gratefully in return. "Did you…arrest him?" Lumine asked, hoping that Yelan did. "Yeah, after the ruckus we heard coming from the VIP room he dragged you to, we made a quick arrest. I tried searching for you when I saw the broken window but, by the time I was able to get away, I knew you were long gone." Yelan explained as her and Yanfei sat down, the young lawyer listening with rapt attention.
"It wasn't easy, I can say that much." Lumine responded, sighing with a shake of her head. "Well," Yelan said as she crossed her legs, "he was arrested and we had all the proof we needed. You need not worry about him." Lumine nodded, grateful as she leaned against Zhongli's side. As lunch came around, so did the arrivals from Mondstadt. Jean and Diluc were pleased to see Aether, calling him Viator when he revealed his real name, yet still asked them to call him Viator when in public if they must speak of him. Jean and Diluc were caught up about everything from Aether and Zhongli, as Lumine merely wanted to rest…she was currently showering. After the explanation, Zhongli excused himself and made his way upstairs, intending to see Lumine and see what was taking her so long. He knew he didn't have to worry, Ganyu was with her but he wanted to be safe.
As he opened his bedroom door, he heard hushed arguing in the bathroom. "Stop scrubbing, you won't get cleaner than this!" That was Ganyu. "I'm sorry I just…I…I still feel so…dirty…" And that was Lumine. Sighing, Zhongli walked to the door and gave a few knocks. "You decent?" He called through the door and heard Lumine squeak and water splash. "Lumi-*sigh*..." Ganyu sounded annoyed. "Dad, can you come in here? I'm dressed but I need help dragging Lumine out of the-stop scrubbing!" Ganyu snapped, sounded both annoyed and angry.
Zhongli opened the door, freezing as he saw the reddened, raw skin of Lumine's arms, neck and collarbone; bubbles covered her chest and floated in the tub, keeping her body covered under the water. Lumine looked to the side, a flush on her cheeks…but now Zhongli saw the extent of just what her collarbone, arms and up endured. Her arms was littered in small nicks and what seemed to be needle marks, standing out against the red skin as they were pale against her scrubbing. Her neck, usually always hidden by a choker or turtlenecks, was dark in color, almost a rusty brown from the scrubbing and rawness…it looked like it didn't heal right. Her wrists, most of the time hidden by her maid gloves or bracelets, were incredibly dark as well, looking as bad at her neck. He knew about a few of the wounds…but seeing the full extent showed just how much she truly endured.
"What…" He didn't know what to say and Ganyu sighed. "It's worse below the collar." Ganyu said and Lumine gave the young woman a chastising look. "Dad, help me get her out of the tub. She's not gonna get cleaner scrubbing at her wounds and…" Ganyu gave Lumine a disapproving look. "I really don't want you to reopen some of them. Some never healed right, Lumi." Ganyu said softly and Lumine sighed, casting her gaze to the water once more. Sighing, Zhongli nodded before taking the towel from Ganyu. "I'll take it over from here Ganyu. You go see and reassure Aether that his sister is fine." Zhongli asked his daughter, making the young woman nod.
They all knew that, in a few minutes, Aether would start looking for her if he wasn't reassured where she was.
Once the door closed, Zhongli raised a brow at Lumine. "Will you come out willing, or do we need a repeat of your first time here?" Slightly mortified, Lumine groaned, before looking at him as she held out her hands. "Give me the towel." She grumbled and Zhongli nodded, pleased as he handed the towel to her, before turning around to give her some privacy. Once he heard her stand and the water begin to drain, Lumine muttered; "You can look." He turned back to her, seeing she had the towel wrapped around her body to keep her covered. Seeing how red her skin was, Zhongli frowned in sadness before holding a hand out to her, one Lumine quickly took…and that's when he felt the trembles.
"Lumine, what's wrong?" Zhongli asked softly, feeling her grip on his jacket. "Just…remembering everything now and reliving it all…it's catching up to me." Lumine confessed and Zhongli's hand caressed the back of her head, keeping her close as his other arm wrapped around her waist. "How I wish I could have helped." Zhongli muttered softly, kissing her forehead and Lumine whimpered, nuzzling her head under his chin. Zhongli's expression tightened, feeling her hands shaking a little. "I can't remove the feeling…" His eyes darkened in concern, about to ask…before he froze at what she said next. "I can't get the feeling of hands off me." She muttered and Zhongli tightened his embrace on her, pressing his face against her damp hair, gritting his teeth in pain. "I don't know how to get rid of the feeling…" Lumine said softly, wanting to sob but she didn't, she wouldn't break…she told herself she wouldn't.
Zhongli's hands moved to rub up and down on her arms, trying to warm her as well as wishing he could wipe away the phantom touches Lumine was experiencing. "Just focus on me Lumine, focus on my hands on your arms." Zhongli whispered softly and Lumine nodded, pressing closer to him and Zhongli moved one arm to the back of her head. "Your safe here Lumine, I won't let anyone touch you." The dark haired man assured, kissing her forehead once more. Lumine's tremors slowly died down, before she was merely clutching his shirt as comfort.
"Why are you always so patient and kind to me?" Lumine mumbled, probably not even realizing she said it outloud and even Zhongli had to strain to hear it. He gave a fond smile, hooking a finger under her chin and lifting her face to look her in the eye. They had gained light and life back in them, no longer so cold with a hint of brokenness…she looked more alive like this. "I'm like this with you Lumine, because I've fallen for you." Zhongli commented and her eyes widened, a flush crawling along her cheeks. "Wh-what?" How? Lumine was pretty sure no one would want her, not after everything she's been through.
She was used, she had been broken and bruised…why would any man want her?!
"I have fallen for you. I hid my feelings for some time because I was not sure they would be reciprocated." Zhongli kept Lumine close, the hand still on her arm moving to wrap around her waist. The finger hooked under his chin moving to cup her cheek as he continued. "You were lovely, still are despite all you've been through." His voice was soft, smooth, the baritone leading her further into his embrace. Her eyes fluttered a little as his thumb stroked her left cheek. "I may have no right to ask…but…" Zhongli took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "May I know…if our feelings align?" The consultant asked, hoping they were mutual. Lumine gave a small smile, cheeks still flushed, before she leaned up and forward, pecking his lips. "I thought my loyalty was enough of an answer." Lumine said softly and Zhongli gave a deep chuckle.
"Is that a yes?" He teased and Lumine giggled. "I would say so." She responded softly, moving to kiss him completely. Zhongli hummed in approval against her lips, moving his hand past her cheek to cup the back of her head, tilting her head for a better angle. Lumine's hands slid up his chest to wrap around his neck, moaning in response to his hum. Zhongli nipped her bottom lip, causing a gasp to leave and Zhongli wasted no time in getting a deeper taste of her. He groaned in response, pressing her closer and Lumine moaned, battling to have a taste of him, herself.
Moments later, they parted, both panting a bit to get air back into them, before they smiled softly at one another. "Thank you, Zhongli." Lumine mumbled, giving his lips another peck, even as he hummed in content. "I love you, Lumine." He confessed once more, making her blush brighter. "And I love you, Zhongli." Lumine confessed, giggling a little when Zhongli dropped a kiss on her bare shoulder. "I'd like to get dressed now." The blonde muttered softly. Zhongli looked at her, cor lapis eyes glanced at her, the color slowly darkening to a molten amber color. He moved, his hot breath ghosting over her ear and making her shift with a gasp. "I can help with that~" Zhongli muttered and Lumine went positively red, before smacking his shoulder.
"Zhongli! Behave!" She snapped and the older male laughed, pulling back as he cupped her face. "I shall, beloved." He said softly, his term of endearment making Lumine flush once more. "Oh you." She mumbled, pecking his lips once more. "Let me get dressed, otherwise Aether's going to come in here and he might actually strangle you." Zhongli chuckled, letting Lumine go so she could get dressed, even as he turned around so she could have some privacy. Minutes later, Lumine was laying down on the bed in Zhongli's room, Zhongli holding her in an embrace as they merely rested in one another's company. His hands gently traced up her arms and back, soothing her. "We're going to work on bringing Dottore down." Zhongli said to Lumine, whom hummed, tilting her head up at him.
"Will we be able to bring him down?" She asked, unsure if they had enough evidence. "Alhaitham is gathering as much evidence as he can while working undercover and Beidou recently saved some kids who were being transferred to the facility." Zhongli explained, keeping his arms around Lumine protectively. "Don't worry Lumine, he won't get away." Lumine nodded, nuzzling her head under his chin. "I know Zhongli. You've always kept me safe and protected me when I needed it." Lumine replied gently, sleep crawling at the edges of her mind. She was exhausted after everything that happened but she didn't want to miss a moment with Zhongli. "Get some sleep, starlight. I'll be here when you awaken." Zhongli whispered to her, kissing her neck and she hummed softly, snuggling against him more and letting her eyes close.
She was safe as long as she was with Zhongli.
**(Elsewhere)**
Items clattered off a desk and hit the ground, a few things of ink and some pictures hit the ground, before a vase was grabbed and thrown against a wall, breaking. Red eyes glared at the desk as the man tore off the black mask he wore, red eyes glinting with murder. "Dammit. How the hell did those fools lose everything in Natlan?!" Dottore asked no one in particular, wanting to strangle someone. Specifically a certain dark haired man. If he could just get Lumine, he'd be able to wrack up some mora in order to build a new lab and that would be it, that's all he had to do.
He wanted…no…he NEEDED Lumine!
"Men!" Dottore snapped his fingers and three Fatui Assassin's appeared, all in a bowed position, ready for the order. "Find Lumine, follow her and take her first chance that arrives!" Dottore ordered, glaring a picture of the woman on his desk. It was one an associate of his took, where she was simply strolling around Liyue with Ganyu and Xiao. "You fail…and you know the price." Dottore growled out and the three assassins disappeared.
"Lumine…you will be mine…"
Well, Lumine has awoken...and it took me a month to figure out how I wanted Zhongli's confession wot work with Lumine. I mean, everything I typed sounded so cheesy! T^T But maybe sometimes cheese is needed after all the dark crap she went through, so here ya go, some cheesey romance! XD
Anyways, not much to say except that yes, Lumine is awake and yeah, she went through some dark shit. And since this part of the story was written before Fontaine, I went through and changed Furina to Neuvillette being the one to contact Zhongli instead. Originally Furina was who contacts Zhongli...but after seeing her in-game? Yeah, no offense but that woman is NOT mature enough to call someone so I leave that to Neuvillette who WOULD be responsible. ^^ After all, being honest here, Neuvillette is more the face of Fontaine that Furina is.
Dottore is not happy though, he wants Lumine back and he wants her back NOW! He's lost all his other places and he wants his money maker back, so stay tuned to see what he does.